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Jere Dunham (Questioner)
Member
Username: Questioner

Post Number: 371
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 8:11 am:   

Fayyaz,

The McLaren on your profile page looks exactly like the one my friend owns. It brings back good memories to see a good picture of one like it.

I wish you luck on getting to Australia. Maybe you could talk to your friend and the two of you could figure out some way for your friends distant uncle to invite the two of you down. Maybe that would sway your parents. It is worth a shot.
Fayyaz Vellani (Fvellani)
Junior Member
Username: Fvellani

Post Number: 55
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 6:07 pm:   

Jere thats wicked story...all the time you hear about people with amazing cars who are total d!cks...this just warmed my heart...and a McLaren F1 no less!! :-)

Your friend sounds like a really cool guy...

My friend's uncle (distant uncle) owns a McLaren F1...he lives in Australia though...I tried to get my parents to let me go to Australia, but they kinda rejected that idea...oh well :-)
James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member
Username: Napolis

Post Number: 1003
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 8:32 am:   

Jere
Great story!
Best
Jim
Jere Dunham (Questioner)
Member
Username: Questioner

Post Number: 358
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 8:31 am:   

Chris,

That is not him. He does not own a car dealership of any kind. He bought the car new and went to Surrey, England to watch it being built.

Maybe the car he rode in was the one that was sold to Greg Ray before he bought it a couple of years ago. I really cannot answer that one, not knowing a correct answer. Anything I say on it is pure speculation on my part and should not be construed as accurate.

Jere Dunham (Questioner)
Member
Username: Questioner

Post Number: 357
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 8:26 am:   

Jim,

I only passed along what I was told about four years ago. Maybe he dressed it up a little, but he did say he put it under his umbrella because he WOULD not pay what they wanted. With your owning cars in this kind of price range, I am sure your information is quite accurate, so I certainly would not disagree with you. And I do not know but maybe he only went to one or two agencies seeking quotes. I know there is a large variance between providers. Or possibly the company carrying his company recommended putting the car under the umbrella and just threw out a number that they pulled out of their hat for regular protection to better aid their suggestion that he add it under them. Pure speculation on my part on this, but it could happen. Oh, he also drives it to work several days a week and put over 10K miles on it the first year. This may have something to do with the quote. Just a thought. Maybe I should ask him.

No matter on the insurance, he still gives a lot of people thrills with his car and is a really nice guy. Fun to be around and very down to earth.

Love the P4. Was speaking with Bob Smith (Ferrari restorer) and told him about the photos you have posted. He said he would like to look them up. He said he had just returned from Mexico looking over a new project for one of his good clients from down there. He did not say what it is but that it will be a very interesting car when completed.
James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Member
Username: Napolis

Post Number: 998
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 7:18 pm:   

Jere
Insurance costs NOTHING like that. It's not 1/20th of that amount.
Best
Jim
chris cummings (Entelechy)
Junior Member
Username: Entelechy

Post Number: 201
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 7:12 pm:   

Jere,

I don't even know this guy and already have immense respectfor him. Even if you were ridiculously rich, a million dollar sports car must be pretty hard to justify; especially if one were to rarely drive it and be extremely protective of it (and let's face it, it would be difficult not to be). For this guy to do that for a father and son is just amazing. He's got the right attitude, even with the myriad reasons not to do so. Good for him!

Reminds me of that Forza issue with the guy who bought the FX and had the museum set up for kids who also took them for rides. The first time I ever drove a Ferrari, I was hooked, and it is one of my life's ambitions to own one (when I can afford it as a perk, not struggle to own it). The day will come soon enough as my favorites are still the 308 GTS QV's and 328's.

I have a video that shows how the McLaren's are assembled. I've also seen Tiff O'Neil (sp?) drive one on the Brit show Top Gear and his reaction was hilarious - his jaw practically dropped into his lap. I've also got some in-car racing footage on video, and all the rest of the cars look positively dicey compared to the amazing handling of the McLaren.

PS - the guy I knew is named Thomas Mulrooney, and he said it was his uncle in TX who owned a huge exotic car dealership. Geez, maybe he drove your friends before it was sold to him! - just kidding.

Thanks again for sharing...
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed

Post Number: 3348
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 5:54 pm:   

Jere, that's awesome... To see a Diablo is awesome, but to see a Diablo parked with a bunch of pick-up trucks is really cool... :-)

i think it's cool that his dad helped him out when his school was being a hard ass... That really put a smile on my face... "Take THAT!" LOL... :-)
Jere Dunham (Questioner)
Member
Username: Questioner

Post Number: 355
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 5:47 pm:   

Tim,

No limit. With it being under his umbrella policy, he groups it will all his other business belongings. The only other thing he carries is a liability policy that is separate. He put about 10K on it the first year and then slowed down a little. He still takes it to the office several days a week. I have also seen him take his helo to work and land on the helo pad on top his building. Bell Jet Ranger.

His son was driving a pro street supercharged Beretta to classes at Texas Tech and the school told him it was disruptive and he could not bring it to school. He sold it and his dad bought him a Diablo to drive to college. He majored in Ranch Management and you would see the Diablo parked at the Ranch Management office bldg along with all the dualie crewcab diesel powerstroke pickups. It was kind of cool.

Really some cool folks.
Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member
Username: Timn88

Post Number: 2831
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 3:57 pm:   

wow, thats one expensive car to insure. How many miles per year can he put on it with its current insurance coverage?
Jere Dunham (Questioner)
Member
Username: Questioner

Post Number: 352
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 3:09 pm:   

Tim,

He put it under his umbrella policy that he carried his business under. He lists it as business equipment.

He told me that he does this because to insure it individually would take 20% of the value of the car each year. His insurance bill would buy another car outright in 6 years. He said he could afford the car but WOULD not afford the individual insurance. About $200K per year for full coverage.
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed

Post Number: 3343
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 2:57 pm:   

For who...? Me or the rest of the world...? :-)
Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member
Username: Timn88

Post Number: 2830
Registered: 6-2001
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 2:56 pm:   

Whats insurance like on an F1?
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed

Post Number: 3340
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 2:51 pm:   

Jere - it's a McLaren F1...! You don't need an excuse...!
Jere Dunham (Questioner)
Member
Username: Questioner

Post Number: 351
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 2:48 pm:   

Des,

I sigh too, just thinking about it. It has been too long.. We need to get back out there to see them. My mom only lives about 60 miles from there, so guess I could use the excuse I was going to visit her to get over and see him.
Matt (Matt_lamotte)
Member
Username: Matt_lamotte

Post Number: 301
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 2:27 pm:   

Your friend is one amazing person. The fact that he has the ability to make peoples wildest dreams come true and does so seemingly rather nonchalant is what makes him so great.
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed

Post Number: 3336
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 1:53 pm:   

Jere... sigh... You've definitely heightened the senses on my addiction... i'm salivating over here... Please, don't ever hesitate to share any of those stories... You are one lucky dude. Rock on, Jere, rock on. :-)
Jere Dunham (Questioner)
Member
Username: Questioner

Post Number: 348
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 1:05 pm:   

Chris,

It could be the same person. I only know of two McLarens in Texas and the other belongs to Greg Ray the IRL driver. I understand he does not drive it at all. My friend lets a lot of people drive his. I know that one day one of his employees was looking at the car in the parking garage when he came out to go to lunch. The employee said asked if he could get permission to bring his son down to see the car as it was something that he dreams about. My friend asked him how old his son was. Fourteen was the reply he got. He told the man to take the car and go pick his son up and bring him back down to the office in it. I am sure when that man pulled up in his driveway in a McLaren and brought his son outside, his heartbeat more than doubled.

He has loaned it to car shows and charities and taken many, many people for rides in it. I cannot speak highly enough of him. I do not believe I could let someone else take the car out of my sight if it were mine. But then again, maybe I do not have the heart for people that he does.

The only pictures I got were taken with a Polaroid instant print camera so I cannot put them on-line unless someone can tell me how.

I have many stories about those three days and a Porsche driver wanting to race me and wanting to know what I did to "make that damn NSX so fast"? Also the 18 year old in a BMW 325 with "M" badging on it wanting to try me on. I just let him go. It was immensely fun as you can tell. It is still alive in me. I cannot imagine being able to go out to my garage and look in and see "MY McLAREN F1".
chris cummings (Entelechy)
Junior Member
Username: Entelechy

Post Number: 198
Registered: 5-2001
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 12:44 pm:   

Jere,

That is SO awesome! When you mentioned the first two BMW V12's and he said no, I knew it was a McLaren! Those are just the most amazing cars! I cannot believe the generosity and trust of your friend - how cool is that? I've always valued, cared for, and protected my personal possessions and the times I've borrowed others (if I was comfortable with it), I took precautions to near ridiculous extremes. Your friend must certainly have known that was your nature, and in those instances I'm sure it was fun for him to know how truly rare and exciting an experience that was for you, and he could feel a little better that his car was in good hands.

I envy you to no end - I've always loved those McLaren's, but have only met one person in life (who drove his uncle's in Texas - hey, maybe it's the same guy!) lucky enough to have had your experience.

Thanks for sharing!
Jere Dunham (Questioner)
Member
Username: Questioner

Post Number: 346
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 12:29 pm:   

I know this sounds like a farce but it really did happen. I have known this man for about 15 years now and have become friends (good friends I might add). My wife still tells people about it and it happened in 1999.

He said he bought the car to drive and he is proving it. At one time he was going to sell it for $800,000. 00 but decided he could not replace it with anything he really wanted so he withdrew it from sale.

I was with him once in his shop in Midland and he showed me how he can link up to the McLaren shop and one of the tuners there actually controls the throttle, timing and such on the car. It was amazing to hear the engine rev without anyone being in the drivers seat. For normal mechanical work, the car is trucked to the BMWNA Eastern region test facility. They put a new clutch disc in there for him when he had the 15K service done. The 15K took three techs five days to do. Replaced all the suspension bushings and everything in between. And you think a 15K on a Ferrari is high. 15K on the McLaren F1, excluding clutch, is approx. $15K. One dollar per every mile you drive the car.

He also rides dirt bikes, used to race pro stock occasionally. Qualified at a few national events but was really just doing it for fun. Never made it past the first round. He says his crowning moment in pro stock was once when he was in qualifying he came to the line against Warren Johnson and outqualied him. Warren got it back though by defeating him in the first round.

This guy is a really neat person. All of you would love to meet him. He would treat you like a son or brother.
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed

Post Number: 3334
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 11:01 am:   

LOL, Matt, i've read a few times already, myself...

Jere, that's definitely ultra cool... i can't even imagine what that must be like... The McLaren is one of my favorites and definitely on my top ten list... Jere, if it's a money thing, just let me know, i'll send some cash your way so you can go visit your friend again, as long as you promise to come back with another story... :-)
Matt (Matt_lamotte)
Member
Username: Matt_lamotte

Post Number: 300
Registered: 10-2002
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 10:53 am:   

Jere,
That is by far the best driving story I have ever heard and unless someone is allowed to drive the F2003 for some crazy reason I don't think you can ever beat that. You have to have pictures. I'm going to go read your post about fifty more times
William Huber (Solipsist)
Member
Username: Solipsist

Post Number: 824
Registered: 9-2001
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 10:20 am:   

Jere,

I remember that car from the BMW driving events at TMS a couple of years ago. Amazing.
Jere Dunham (Questioner)
Member
Username: Questioner

Post Number: 345
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 9:07 am:   

Des,

I have to tell you what happened to me several years ago.

A longtime friend called me up after I had moved of town and told me he had bought himself a new toy. I asked what it was and he nonchalantly said,"Oh, it's a V12. I knew he drove BMW's so I asked him it he had gotten an 850? He said no. I then asked if he had gotten a new 750Il. Again he said no. He did say that it was a BMW of sorts though. I was confused and said that if it was not an 850Ci or a 750IL what could it be. I then remembered the cover of a Road And Track magazine that showed the rear of a car with a Texas license plate on it and in the article about it said the owner "is a gentleman from Texas who prefers to remain annonymous". I asked if the car on the cover was his and he reluctantly said "well, yes it it". Wow, BMW V12 racing engine with 627hp in a 2500 lb carbon fiber body car. Too cool.

He brought it to the metroplex where he was going to go thru three days of helicopter refresher training at the Bell Helicopter plant in Hurst, Texas. He came over and showed it to me. I was awe-struck and could not speak. I finally was able to ask if he would take me for a ride in it. He said"NO". I was heart broken. He then said "No, I will not take you for a ride in it, you are going to drive it". Can you say cardiac arrest? I got into the middle seat and brought the door down into place. He showed me the controls and away we went. I was so nervous that at first my eyes were blurry just from the thought of being behind the wheel of it, much less driving it. We drove around for about thirty minutes and then he said he needed to get on over to Bell to check in. As we got back, I got out and handed him the keys. He looked at me and asked what I was driving. It told him a BMW 328 and he asked if he could borrow it since he did not want his "toy" sitting on the Bell parking lot during the day. He is a good friend so I said sure, just be careful. He then handed the keys to his "toy" back to me and said that I should be careful too. I asked him what he meant as I was planning on him pulling it in the garage and leaving it. He said "I will be here three days, drive it and go have fun. If you let someone else drive it, just make sure you go along". My knees must have buckled and I really must have become light-headed as he said it over again and then added, "Just don't make me cry, I am carrying self insurance on it". With that, he got in my car and drove off, leaving me in the driveway looking at his toy in disbelief and massaging the key I was holding in my hand.

My wife and son came out and I put them on either side of me and we took a ride. We were all blown absolutely away. I had the car for three days and put 170 miles on it. Man, 0-60 in 3.2 sec., 0-100 mph in 6 sec and 0-140 in 10.6 sec. Absolutely unreal.

This was several years ago and it is still the highlight of my exotic automotive life. I do not know if I will ever again what I got to experience in those three days. And neither will the people who got to go for rides. He is a very good friend.

Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you what the "toy" is that he owns. It is a Silver with black interior McLaren F1. He still owns it and has over 18K miles on it now. I have not gotten to drive it again as he lives about 300 miles away but he says that if we will come to visit them I can take it out and play for a while. I need to plan that trip.

Just thought you might like to hear my story of my most heart-stopping driving adventure.
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed

Post Number: 3318
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 5:31 pm:   

He said he'd let me drive it as long as i didn't beat on it... i'm figuring i just need to adjust my definition of "beat on" before i get there...

...right...? :-)
"The Don" (Mlemus)
Advanced Member
Username: Mlemus

Post Number: 3773
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 5:29 pm:   

Drive it like you stole it. They are very tossable cars.
DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member
Username: Sickspeed

Post Number: 3316
Registered: 8-2002
Posted on Monday, April 14, 2003 - 5:29 pm:   

i have an 8PM date tonight, with a yellow Porsche Boxster convertible...!
One of my bosses associates needed a favor, so i volunteered to run the materials out to him; he gets on the phone, gives me the address and says, "i won't be home 'til 8, so get there around then... i'll let you take the Porsche around the block a few times..."

WOHOOO...!

The more good fortune i see, the more wary i become. :-)

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